Ep 5. Kissed by Fire

In Game of Thrones season 3 episode 5, titled "Kissed by Fire," the story powerfully moves forward on various fronts. The episode opens ominously with Beric Dondarrion, a formidable warrior leader, holding a trial by combat against The Hound, one of the Lannisters' most feared warriors. The intense battle underscores the arrival of a new character, Thoros of Myr, a fiery priest of the Lord of Light, who brings Beric back to life after he is felled by The Hound.

Meanwhile, Robb Stark and his army are faced with dire circumstances as they march towards Riverrun. Robb is determined to take back his childhood home, but his army is not large enough and they are losing men quickly. It is here that the entirety of "Kissed by Fire" is centered on a single momentous scene: Robb's secret marriage to Talisa, a battlefield medic who has captured his heart. The tender interlude between Robb and Talisa is masterfully acted and directed, giving the audience an emotional respite in the midst of a harsh world.

Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen and her followers continue their journey to Astapor, where she hopes to gain control of an army of Unsullied soldiers. Her advisor Jorah cautions her against making deals with the slave masters, but Daenerys remains steadfast in her quest for power. Her conversations with the slave-master Kraznys reveals much about the darker side of power and the compromises that come hand-in-hand with it.

In King's Landing, Tywin Lannister continues to exert his influence over his children. Jaime has lost his confidence and identity after losing his hand, but his father is determined to mold him back into shape. Their conversation sets off a chain of events that will have lasting repercussions for Jaime's character and the larger story arc.

Perhaps the most moving and transformative storyline belongs to Jon Snow and Ygritte. After Jon's capture by the Wildlings, he struggles with his loyalty to his Night's Watch brothers and his deepening feelings for Ygritte. In "Kissed by Fire," we see Jon and Ygritte abandon themselves to one another in a poignant and beautifully shot scene that captures their passion and commitment to each other. The episode also explores the historically-rich tradition of Wildling culture, giving us an intimate look at their relationships to one another and their views on love, loyalty, and power.

Finally, we see the return of the Baratheon brothers to Dragonstone, where Stannis is slowly succumbing to his internal demons. His most trusted advisor, Davos Seaworth, has returned to him with new information about the war that will force Stannis to reconsider his course of action. But Stannis is a stubborn and conflicted man, and it is uncertain whether he will be able to listen to reason in his current state.

"Kissed by Fire" is a perfectly-paced episode that balances action, emotion, and character development seamlessly. The scene between Robb and Talisa is one of the most heartfelt moments of the entire series, and the revelation of Jon and Ygritte's love is a powerful and resonant storyline that underscores some of the series' central themes. The episode is also beautifully shot, with gorgeous cinematography and stunning performances from the entire cast. Overall, "Kissed by Fire" is a standout episode that showcases the best of what Game of Thrones has to offer.